William F. “Frank” Peters

William F. “Frank” Peters, 88, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving Family and Vitas Hospice.

Frank, the eldest son of William F. Peters and Eleanor (Brenneman) Peters, was born on September 5, 1937, in St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating from St. Petersburg High School, he served in the United States Navy as a Yeoman Administrative Specialist. Following his military service, Frank began a career with the St. Petersburg Times, where he worked for 42 years, rising from copy boy to Chief Artist. Highly respected in his field, Frank specialized in maps and graphics and was sought after for his expertise.

After retiring in 2001, Frank and Phyllis settled in Floral City, Florida, where they built a life rooted in community and shared purpose. A lifelong history enthusiast, Frank became deeply involved with the Floral City Heritage Council, serving as Chairman from 2008-2015. He was a familiar presence during Heritage Days, where he delighted in sharing the rich history of the town he came to love. Frank designed the plans for the Heritage Museum, serving as Museum Director from 2009-2020. He served as the President of the Duval Preservation Trust from 2011-2020.

Frank found great joy in gardening and took pride in cultivating a yard that reflected both beauty and intention. Visitors were often treated to personal tours, where Frank would enthusiastically identify plants, share their origins, and offer bits of wisdom along the way. His creativity was evident in all aspects of his life, a quiet testament to his lifelong gift for design.

As the patriarch of the Peters family, Frank was a steady, calm, and grounding presence. He was the family historian, carefully preserving photographs and stories so they could be passed down and cherished. One of his greatest joys was sharing those memories—like the year he gifted each family member a framed photo taken at Lake Bradley, simply because he wanted everyone to hold onto that moment as dearly as he did.

Frank’s home, shared with Phyllis, reflected a life rich with meaning—filled with artwork, photographs, and mementos from his time in the Navy, his childhood in St. Petersburg, and his years in Floral City. Because his years growing up and working in St. Petersburg were so treasured, he donated much of his personal memorabilia to the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Above all, Frank will be remembered for his kindness, patience, and quiet strength.

Frank and Phyllis shared a deep and enduring love—one that was often expressed in gentle teasing, shared laughter, and a constant, unspoken understanding. Whether you were family, extended family, or a friend, you felt Frank’s care. His love was steady, generous, and without bounds.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 40 years, Phyllis (Carmack) Peters; 2 children: Joseph (Connie) Keathley of Lake Wales, FL; Shannon (Lonnie) Roberts of Auburndale, FL; 7 grandchildren: Nicole Marie Stemm, Therese Marie Stemm, Christopher James Roberts, Joseph Eric Keathley, Courtney Erin Keathley, Casey Leigh Roberts, and Stacey Marie Roberts; 8 great grandchildren: Lexi Ledford, Ava Roberts, Ashtyn Keathley, Lexson Keathley, Lily Stemm, Emme Stemm, Elijah Roberts, Scarlett Vining; 5 Nieces & Nephews: Charles and Larry Peters, Betty Day, Bobbi Blush, and Jodi Dudas. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Ann Morello and his brother, Charles Peters.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 2:00pm at the Methodist Church of Floral City with Pastors Harvey Dunn and Cindy Long officiating. Burial will follow with Military Honors at Hills of Rest Cemetery. Friends may visit the family at the church from 1:00 PM until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://donorservices.alz.org) or Floral City Heritage Council, P.O. Box 328, Floral City, FL 34436. Arrangements under the direction of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home.